Saturday, 9 May 2015

The Lost Promise (Article)

THE LOST PROMISE

LINK FOR SHARING: http://bit.ly/1PxXYOu

Original Title: IQBAL TAIRAY DAIS KA KYA HAAL SUNAOON?

Urdu Article by: Irshad Ahmed Arif

Translated by: S Roman Ahsan (January 2011)

After Governor Salman Taseer’s assassination, a question is being constantly raised whether there is a need for any blasphemy law in a country whose constitution is Islamic and which is inhabited by Muslims with 98% population. And hence, nobody could dare insult their Prophet’s (pbuh) image. It is understandable that in a 98% Muslim majority country like Pakistan no person would really go to the extent of uttering any insulting remarks against the Prophet (pbuh) or carrying out any other blasphemy action but who would enlighten the intellectuals of this nation that a book by the name of “Heavenly Communism” was written in Lahore in 1983. This book was written by an advocate Mushtaq Raj and was freely distributed amongst the literate society in Pakistan. Upon publication of this book, Lahore High Court Bar Association and Bar Council cancelled the membership of Mushtaq Raj and demanded that the government ban this book and the author should be arrested thereby given a severe punishment.

A resolution was presented in a session of Lahore High Court Bar Association which was being addressed by President Syed Afzal Haider. It was demanded in the resolution that there should be death penalty for blasphemy against Prophet (pbuh) since there was mention of no punishment for such transgressions in the law before that. It is pertinent to mention here that this resolution was neither presented in an assembly of religious leaders, nor the session was headed by Late General Zia-ul-Haque or any of his followers. Rather it was presided by a progressive and broad-minded person Advocate Syed Afzal Haider who was a supporter of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) yet carried a strong love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his heart. Hence, the resolution was approved with mutual consensus finally.

After the resolution was presented, a member suggested that the author of the book Mushtaq Raj should also be called in the session. Before any other member could intervene, Barrister Malik Saeed Hassan (a PPP loyalist who became the judge in Lahore High Court during Benazir Bhutto’s reign) whose liberal views, respect for law and religious tolerance were endorsed by everyone, stood up and opposed this suggestion. His face was red with anger and he spoke in a loud voice, “If that offender is called, I will throw him out of this session.” At that time, neither the extreme opponents of General Zia’s dictatorship made any effort to label the book as the finest specimen of freedom of expression, nor Mushtaq Raj was portrayed as the symbol of progressive thought (Roshan Khayaali) and religious tolerance. Also, no question was raised whether there was any need for creating Blasphemy law. However, the elements in United States and Europe voiced their support for Mushtaq Raj. Besides that, a lady lawyer who was a human rights activist considered the issue as falling under under human rights and at a seminar she used careless words about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but apologized later on.

The emotional attachment and love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by the Muslims is incomprehensible by the capitalist societies of the West. Same is the case with those entities that hate religion who want to make the Pakistan of Iqbal (ra) and Quaid (ra), a godless state where they want to promote vulgar values. Liberalism is different from godlessness it needs to be noted and still has its limits if we talk about a Muslim country.

In the book “Hayaat-e-Iqbal”, the following incident is quoted about a gathering in which Allama Iqbal (ra) was seated. One day Iqbal (ra) was surrounded by people and a debate was going on concerning some literary topics. A few college-students arrived there also. During the discussion, a student took the name of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) as "Muhammad Sahab”. Allama Iqbal’s face turned red with anger and he said “Expel him from this gathering as he has no manners on how to take the name of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.)”. Then tears started falling from his eyes profusely and this condition persisted for a long time.

A fellow of trinity college Oxford writes in his book ‘Muhammad (saw) and Muhammadinism (saw)’, “Christians should keep this in mind that the message by Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) created such intoxication amongst his followers which cannot be found even amongst the early followers of Jesus (pbuh).”

Suhail Bin Umroo wrote the clauses of the petition of Hudaibiya. When he went back to Makkah, he said to his people “What I saw in the assembly of Muhammad (s.a.w.w.), I did not even see in the royal courts of Iran or Rome. I have seen that when their Prophet performs ablution (wazoo), they do not let that water drip down on the floor but rinse their faces with it. When he has his hair cut, they do not waste the hair, rather distribute it amongst them. They do not even waste his saliva and apply it on their hands and eyes. Who do you talk about? Will you fight him?” (It is important to mention here that ordinary Muslims like us are not supposed to form such an attachments with any spiritual person in real life - the level of attachment mentioned here was only for Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) )

Rationality demands that after this gruesome incident, every person and group should evaluate their approach and way of thinking. The rising tendencies of breaking the law should be analyzed so as to curb further division of this nation which is already split into sects, castes, races and political parties. The murder of Governor Taseer has instead beenmade a source of acquiring political and grouping gains by political and religious groups and by foreign funded NGOs in particular. Different justifications are being given to abolish blasphemy law and attempts are being made to create acceptance for blasphemy against the Prophet (pbuh) amongst society by imparting lessons of tolerance, moderation, compassion and forgiveness to the nation but the 18 crore emotional Muslims are not that foolish that they will forget this verse of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, a keen devotee (aashiq) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

3 comments:

I ask a simple question? Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) was insulted throughout his life. What was his reaction? Kill the ones who insulted or forgave? Let us examine it in the light of history. I shall not go into details of these incidents as this you can study in history books.

- A woman used to throw ashes on the head of Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) when he used to pass before her house. One day she did not repeat this activity. Once learned that she was sick he went to her house & enquired about her health.

- He was invited by a Jewish lady. The food which was served contained poison. One of the companions accompanying him died later on due to this poisoned food. He forgave that woman.

- What happened in city of Taif? He was insulted, thrown stones & beaten. Blood was oozing out of his wounds. At that difficult moment what was his attitude when the angel Gibraeel & angel of mountains (Malak ul Jabal) appeared? Did he say kill these people of Taif or forgave them?

- How about Abdullah bib Ubai, the head of hypocrites? I do not wish to repeat his words which he uttered while coming back from the battle of Uhad. These are recorded in Qura’n. Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) not only forgave him but when he died lead his funeral prayer, gave his dress to wrap around Abdullah bin Ubai, entered in the grave & placed his saliva in the mouth of Abdullah Bin Ubai.

- How about the time of conquering Mecca? Did he kill all persons who used to insult him, beat him, wounded him in wars, killed his relatives & companions & so on? He forgave even Habshi who killed his uncle Hazrat Hamza (ra) & Hinda who cut the belly of his Uncle & chewed his liver. These are only few examples I have quoted. There are many others mentioned in history books.

- Now I raise one simple question to you whom you wish to follow? The Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) or so called ulema of today, who are just preaching hatred & killing?

- May I also dare to ask one more question? If Pakistani Muslims, or for that matter Muslims in other countries really love Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) why do they not adopt his high moral qualities, follow his character of truthfulness, integrity, honesty, respect & care for others, justice & fair dealing, good treatment of neighbours & relatives, regard for the poor etc. Just look at your society (whether these are leaders or common people) & I feel ashamed to write that what I find is opposite to the qualities of Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him). If what I say is correct then just claiming that we love Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) is just a lip service, hypocrisy & nothing more.

Are you asking a question or giving a declaration? First decide this. Your comment is high-charged but lacks true approach to the issue of blasphemy. It is true that we need to first incorporate the basic teachings of Islam in our lives but it does not mean we should start undermining the status of our Holy Prophet (pbuh), Naooz billah.

You need to educate yourself more about such issues and I am here to help you. The foundation of Islam rests on the persona of our Prophet (pbuh). We call ourselves Muslims only because his blessed self. Islam is not about killing people unjustly. NEVER. It is about compassion, care and love. However, if someone attacks the honour of our Prophet (pbuh) without whom there would be no Islam, then we cannot sit passively. Then it would only mean we are hypocrites without love for Islam and without love for Prophet (pbuh).

Next, we should know that when Prophet (pbuh) and his companions conquered Makkah, which was a peaceful conquest, all enemies of Islam and Prophet (pbuh) were forgiven, including Hindah, the wife of Abu Sufiyan who had killed Hadhrat Hamza (ra) the uncle of Prophet (pbuh) and then took his heart out to chew it. Yes, even she was forgiven. But there was a poet in Makkah who used to attack the honour of our Prophet (pbuh) through his poetic verses. He was not spared and "KILLED".

The liberal-secular segment of Pakistan is so devoid of love for Islam and Prophet (pbuh) and is SO IGNORANT ABOUT ISLAM'S BASIC VALUES that it is truly a pathetic situation.

Ulema of Pakistan might not be perfect but what about you? Gaining degrees from all these money-making institutions will not make you an enlightened person if you are devoid of true spirit of Islam.

You follow little Islam. What about the trends of media which is leading Pakistanis to decadence? Study this verse from Qur'an and share it on your wall in Facebook if you have guts:

"Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know." (Surah An- Nur' 24:19)

Are you asking a question or giving a declaration? First decide this. Your comment is high-charged but lacks true approach to the issue of blasphemy. It is true that we need to first incorporate the basic teachings of Islam in our lives but it does not mean we should start undermining the status of our Holy Prophet (pbuh), Naooz billah.

You need to educate yourself more about such issues and I am here to help you. The foundation of Islam rests on the persona of our Prophet (pbuh). We call ourselves Muslims only because his blessed self. Islam is not about killing people unjustly. NEVER. It is about compassion, care and love. However, if someone attacks the honour of our Prophet (pbuh) without whom there would be no Islam, then we cannot sit passively. Then it would only mean we are hypocrites without love for Islam and without love for Prophet (pbuh).

Next, we should know that when Prophet (pbuh) and his companions conquered Makkah, which was a peaceful conquest, all enemies of Islam and Prophet (pbuh) were forgiven, including Hindah, the wife of Abu Sufiyan who had killed Hadhrat Hamza (ra) the uncle of Prophet (pbuh) and then took his heart out to chew it. Yes, even she was forgiven. But there was a poet in Makkah who used to attack the honour of our Prophet (pbuh) through his poetic verses. He was not spared and "KILLED".

The liberal-secular segment of Pakistan is so devoid of love for Islam and Prophet (pbuh) and is SO IGNORANT ABOUT ISLAM'S BASIC VALUES that it is truly a pathetic situation.

Ulema of Pakistan might not be perfect but what about you? Gaining degrees from all these money-making institutions will not make you an enlightened person if you are devoid of true spirit of Islam.

You follow little Islam. What about the trends of media which is leading Pakistanis to decadence? Study this verse from Qur'an and share it on your wall in Facebook if you have guts:

"Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know." (Surah An- Nur' 24:19)

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"If you obey most of those on earth, they will lead you astray from the path of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie." - Qur'an (6: 116)
- The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!